A death row inmate, who formed a close friendship with Rob and Michele Reiner over the past decade, has revealed that he received an uplifting email from Michele just hours before her tragic death.
Nanon Williams, who has been incarcerated since he was 17, learned of the Reiners' murders only after reading news stories on his state-issued tablet.
According to a report by NBC News, Williams was heartbroken and immediately sent a message to the 70-year-old, asking: "Please tell me the news is lying."
However, by the time Williams saw the email, Michele had already been killed.
The Friendship Between Williams and the Reiners
Williams and the Reiners had developed a familial bond after the couple saw a performance of 'Lyrics From Lockdown,' a spoken-word multimedia show based on Williams' writings.
The Reiners began emailing the inmate nearly every day, offering words of encouragement and support.
However, prison email systems can take hours, sometimes even days, to process, so Williams did not receive Michele’s final messages until after her death.
In one of her last emails to Williams, Michele shared her excitement about re-watching 'Lyrics From Lockdown' with actor Billy Crystal, who had recently seen the performance and was deeply moved by it.
Michele’s message, sent shortly before her death, read: "We all said that we can't wait to watch it with you."
Nick Reiner Charged with Parents’ Murders
The Reiners’ son, Nick, has been charged with the murders of his parents.
Rob, 78, and Michele were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home on December 14.
Authorities have confirmed that the cause of death was "multiple sharp force injuries," and Nick is facing two counts of first-degree murder, with a special allegation that a knife was used. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
Nick’s behavior in the years leading up to the murders raised concerns, with police responding to multiple welfare checks at the Reiners' home.
At the time of the murders, the 32-year-old was reportedly being treated for schizophrenia, a mental illness that is often misunderstood but treatable. Sources have stated that he was under psychiatric care, receiving medication for the condition.
Nick's Legal and Jail Status
After his arrest on December 15, Nick was placed under heightened supervision at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.
Initially placed on suicide watch, he has since been removed from that status but remains in solitary confinement, per PEOPLE.
According to a Los Angeles County sheriff's source, he is monitored closely every 15 minutes and is not permitted to communicate with anyone other than his legal counsel and authorized jail personnel.
His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Los Angeles Superior Court Stanley Mosk Courthouse.